Study
of the feasibility of undertaking an evaluation of the benefit of
education in the primary prevention of foot ulcers in an at risk of
people with diabetes - Footbridge Feasibility Study

Sponsor

Nottingham and Derby R&D

Background

Those with diabetes most at risk of
developing a foot ulcer for the first time are those with loss of
protective sensation (peripheral neuropathy). It is recommended that
this group should be referred for specialist education – although (i)
facilities for this do not routinely exist, and (ii) education has not
been shown to prevent ulcers.

Aim of study

This is a pilot study designed to
identify/refine

the mechanism for ascertaining those
at risk in the population,

the structure of the educational
intervention

outcome measures (including costs
and HRQoL)

to plan and seek funding for a
definitive RCT

Trial design

Pilot,
but incorporating assessment of the prevalence of neuropathy in
diabetes, and previous and active ulcers

Details

The study will
involve analysing anonymised data from held on general practice
databases throughout Gedling PCT in Nottingham (pop 100,000). These data
will be supplemented by formal foot examination in those who consent to
participate